Tanzania: Investors Face Capital Woes to Increase Honey Production

bee-keeping

Heavy investment is needed to increase beeswax and honey production, stakeholders say. Anepa Food Production Limited managing director Anna Toroka says honey exportation requires a huge capital.

China's Imports of Soybeans Seen Rebounding in Fourth Quarter

soybean

China’s soybean imports are likely to rebound in the fourth quarter as seasonal demand rises and processors in the world’s biggest buyer look to replenish supplies after lower-than-expected sales from state stockpiles, according to industry analysts.

Harvest Minerals (HMI) Innovative use of fertilizers revives hope for Africa's Green Revolution

Using the micro-dosing method, farmers apply about 8 kg to 10 kg of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare, approximately a fifth of the recommended application rates.

Returning Nigeria to World Mining Map

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

The 5th International Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition on Nigeria(IMICON 2016), a private sector led initiative meant to propel the rapid development of the Nigerian Mining Industry, focusing on  President Muhammadu Buhari led Administration, started its 3-day event comprising of business conference, business exhibition and business to business Meetings, which brought together international and local stakeholders to showcase the vast investment opportunities, deliberate and facilitate business activities in the Sector.

Improving Supply Chains for Smallholder Farmers Must be a Two-Way Street

Smallholder Farmers

Since the G-8 L’Aquila Summit in 2009, the United States and other developed countries have largely met their commitments to spend an additional $22 billion to address global food security issues, in the wake of the global food crisis of 2007-09.

Roach milk inspires food supplement

• 

  Roach milk

  
  Milk produced by a species of cockroach is highly nutritive and can be synthesised using yeast cells
• Roach milk, turned into protein crystals in roach larvae guts, has thrice the energy in dairy milk
• Work on bulk production of roach milk protein, using recombinant DNA technology, is underway

Milk secreted by a cockroach species, to feed its young, is the base for a potent nutritional supplement being developed by Indian and international scientists.

Michael Okpara varsity holds post-UTME screening for 15,000 candidates

Michael Okpara varsity

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, on Wednesday commenced its post-UTME screening for no fewer than 15,000 candidates that registered for the exercise.

Ogun Govt Holds Training For Farmers In Fishery, Crops Production

Towards ensuring agricultural development and its value added chains in order to ensure food security, the Ogun State government has commenced a training workshop for farmers, students in food crops and fish farming at its training facility at the Odeda Farm institute in Abeokuta.

AFDB TO PARTICIPATE IN TICAD VI

African Development Bank

A delegation of the African Development Bank (AfDB) led by the Bank’s President, Akinwumi Adesina, will attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) scheduled to hold in Nairobi from August 27-28, 2016. This will be the first time TICAD is being held in Africa since its inception in 1993, demonstrating the strong African ownership and deepening partnership among TICAD stakeholders.

C’River speaker advises youths on agric loans

John Lebo

No fewer than 40 youths that underwent agricultural training at Songhai Farms in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River have been advised to quickly register their agricultural business ventures.

Cote d'Ivoire Takes Shea From Cottage Industry to Big Business

shea butter

From cosmetics to cooking, shea butter is popular around the world. It is made from the nut of the shea tree, known as "women's gold” in Africa for it provides income to millions of women across the Sahel. In northern Ivory Coast, women are trying to transform shea butter from a cottage industry into big business.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE REQUIRES STANDARDISED PRACTICES – KADUNA AGRIC COMMISSIONER

Business of Agriculture Conference

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Manzo Maigari, has underscored the need for sustainable and innovative agricultural practices by farmers across the country, noting that recourse to archaic farm practices is the key reason why Nigeria’s agricultural production has fallen well below global standards.

Akwa Ibom to launch Agriculture Master Plan

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom State government has said it would soon commence an agro-based master plan in rural communities aimed at diversifying its economy from oil dependency.

FG to train youths, women on aquaculture – Minister

Chief Audu Ogbeh

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, says the Federal Government will set up training centres across the country to train women and youths on aquaculture.

Economic diversification: Bayelsa commercialises palm estate

palm estate

The Bayelsa State Government has confirmed its decision to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Manufacturing and Marketing Company of Nigeria Limited (MAMCON) over the cultivation of rice farms and commercialization of the state’s palm estate.

Sokoto, Morocco collaborate on solar energy, fertlizer

Governor Aminu Tambuwal

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said on Monday that the state government would collaborate with the Kingdom of Morocco in the areas of solar energy and agriculture.

farmers/herdsmen crises: ortom, sultan express optimisim

cows

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, has expressed hope that the lingering crises between farmers and herdsmen would end as soon as grazing is outlawed by the House of Assembly.

AGRICULTURE: A FORBIDDEN KINGDOM FOR NIGERIAN YOUTHS- By Kunle Oguntegbe

youths

Renowned Development Economist, Arthur Lewis once said, ‘if Agriculture remains stagnant, industries cannot grow’. For an agrarian economy with a total population of 183 Million, 70 percent of which are youth, isn’t it amazing to know that only 23 percent of the youth are involved in Agriculture? What an irony!
Prior to the discovery of oil in the 1950s, Nigeria used to be a top exporter of food and agro-allied products. However, due to the economic mismanagement, laziness on the part of the youth, relative neglect of agricultural resources as well as population upsurge amongst others, the country has lost her top position among agro-food exporting countries in the universe.

RUFIN: EMPOWERING RURAL FARMERS

Beneficiaries of RUFIN in Agbowa-Ikosi, Epe LG in a group photograph

 

The Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) is a loan agreement between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Agric, manufacturing sectors to enjoy single digit interest – CBN

farmers

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured that the manufacturing and agricultural sectors will enjoy single digit interest rates as it would fast track lending of a reserved special intervention fund earmarked for the sectors.

Fortified rice raises risk of hookworm infections

• 

  fortified rice

  Added nutrients may inadvertently help parasites grow
• Health benefits and risks must be weighed up for children
• Deworming could ensure fortified rice does not boost infections

Eating fortified rice increases the risk of hookworm infections, a study in Cambodian schoolchildren shows, suggesting that the rice’s added nutrients inadvertently help parasites grow.

Kenyan seed storage facility to bolster maize R&D

• 

  seed storage facility

  Insect pests and environmental stressors are negatively affecting maize farming
• A large facility for storing maize seeds has been launched to help smallholders
• An expert says farmers and researchers should collaborate to spur food security

A seed storage cold room facility to support maize research and improve livelihood of African smallholders has been launched.

Soil erosion may threaten global food security

• 
  

  

  Soil erosion may threaten global food security

  In many places, soils are being lost faster than they are being naturally made
• Rises in rock phosphate prices may cut the availability of inorganic fertiliser
• More efficient food distribution and nutrient recycling are needed to end hunger

Global soil erosion has reached levels that will endanger humanity’s ability to feed itself if nothing is done to lower it, a study warns.

Project promises hardy maize for Africa

• 

  maize farmer

  
  Initiative aims to breed 70 climate-resilient varieties for 12 countries
• Varieties would also be more tolerant of diseases and poor soils
• The goal is to increase productivity for smallholders by up to half

A Mexican-African project to develop better and more climate-tolerant maize varieties using traditional breeding techniques has been launched.

Nigeria’s Agency Secures $700m Loan To Develop Agriculture, Real Estate

Agriculture, Real Estate

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has secured a $700 million loan for the development of the nation’s real estate and agriculture sector.

Commentary: Should you worry about food animals causing drug resistance in people? No. Should you worry about raw milk? Definitely.

Milk

Despite the headline intending to alarm consumers, a recently released report once more finds no conclusive evidence of a link between the use of antibiotics in food animals and the emergence of drug-resistant Campylobacter.

Lagos to stimulate youth’s interest in Agriculture

Lagos State Governor

Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to broaden capacity and stimulate the interest of youths in the agriculture sector through intensive training and skill acquisition programmes.

Gov. Lalong pledges to turn around Plateau’s economy through agriculture

Simon Lalong

The Governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong, has promised to turn around the economic fortunes of the state through harnessing of its huge agricultural potential.

Ministry of Agric Launches Smart Phone App for Flood prediction

Ministry of Agric Launches Smart Phone App for Flood prediction

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a Smart Phone Application – “Wetin App” for flood forecasting especially along the Niger and Benue rivers.

Deadly fish virus finally identified

• 

  fish

  
  Mysterious virus has decimated farmed tilapia in Ecuador and Israel
• Tilapia lake virus believed to be novel variety
• Farmers urged to report cases and improve biosecurity measures

A mysterious virus that has decimated tilapia fish stocks in Ecuador and Israel has finally been identified by an international team of scientists.

How to create resilient agriculture

Farmers

Durable food security and agricultural growth depend on development strategies with resilience built in from the start, says Gordon Conway.

Syria’s wheat shortage deepens

• 

  Wheat

  
  Ongoing harvest and low stocks insufficient to feed the country
• Many farmers lost access to their land, tools, fertilizers
• Agro research also suffered from the conflict

Syria’s ongoing wheat harvest is not large enough to feed people living in areas controlled by the government, researchers have warned.

Aregbesola wants ban on export of primary farm produce

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has called for a ban on the export of primary farm produce as part of strategies to ensure food sufficiency in the country.

Kasali expresses NCAM’s readiness to train more youth in mechanised farming

Agricultural Mechanization

Dr. Yomi Kasali, acting director, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Ilorin, has expressed the readiness of the centre to train and equip young farmers in response to the challenges of food needs of Nigeria.

We must make agriculture exciting for the youth – AFDB PRESIDENT

African Development Bank

“The future of our young people does not belong at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. It lies in us tapping their talents and putting our resources to support them”. These were the words of the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, while commenting on the AfDB’s key efforts that recognize the role of youth in sustainable development which resonates with the focus of the 2016 International Youth Day (IYD).

Disease kills 23 cows, infects 63 in Katsina

Cow

An animal disease locally known as “black-cutter” has killed 23 cows and affected 63 others in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

World Bank supports agricultural sector with $50m

FADAMA’s irrigation project

The World Bank has pledged to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector with 50 million dollars towards the restoration of agricultural livelihood of Fadama beneficiaries in the North East.

How to diversify economy – Aregbesola

Rauf Aregbesola

The Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called for a ban on export of primary farm produce, as part of strategies to grow local production and enhance the value chains of the country’s agricultural investments.

AfDB approves $9m equity investment for agricultural SMEs in Nigeria

African Development Bank President

The African Development Bank has approved a $9 million equity investment in the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) to provide expansion capital to agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Large scale farmer expresses optimism over bumper harvest

large scale farmer

A large scale farmer in Kano State, Alhaji Garba Bichi, has expressed optimism that the state would record bumper harvest this farming season.

Vicampro set to improve Nigeria’s agricultural sector

Vicampro

Vicampro Group, which is one of Nigeria’s key stakeholders in the agricultural sector will be holding a conference and workshop in order to chart a new course towards diversifying Nigeria’s economy, economic growth and capacity building.

The conference which is tagged “Business of Agriculture” workshop aims to demystify agriculture in the eyes of the intending entrepreneur. The workshop will bring together current players in the industry to share their experience and provide insight into the opportunities and pitfall of agricultural entrepreneurship.

Speakers at the conference will aim to cover the major aspects for the industry including but not limited to government policy and plans for agriculture, agricultural project financing, land matter, business model and market opportunities, people, technology mechanization and irrigation.

Co-Founder & CEO of Vicampro, Michael Agbogo; Head of Corporate & Government Relations OLAM NIGERIA, Ade Adefeko; Director (NIPC), Aminu Suleman Takuma; Oyo State Coordinator, BOI, Irabor Pacqueens; Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Manzo D. Maigari; CEO Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, Ukinebo Dare amongst other stakeholders in the agricultural sector are expected to be guest speakers at the workshop.

At the end of the conference which is scheduled to hold at the Jupiter Hall, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos on 20^th August, 2016, participants would have been equipped with the necessary information needed to take on the “Business of Agriculture”.

Participantswould gain more knowledge, network with agricultural stakeholders and have opportunity to be mentored. The event costs N50,000 and further information can be obtained from www.businessofagriculture.com.ng or www.vicampro.com

GOVT. SHOULD FOCUS ON FEEDING CITIZENS – UDOM EMMANUEL

Udom Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has stressed on the need for the nation to focus on the development of Agriculture. He said this while speaking at the International Bible Training Centre (IBTC), Ayobo, Lagos, when he worshipped with the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

Scientists gear up to battle invasive species

• 

  Scientist

  
  A US$50 million programme to research and dispel invasive species starts in London
• Invasive species cause crop losses and impact schooling as children help with weeding
• Beating invasive species seen as crucial to meet SDGs on food shortages and nutrition

A research programme to tackle invasive species that kill plants and sicken animals is getting under way at the United Kingdom’s Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI).

Agriculture is the Key to Future Prosperity – ifad

IFAD President

Investing in agriculture and farming technologies will help to change the perception that young people have about farming, making it an appealing career choice that will also contributes to the long-term development of rural communities.

Agric Ministry to Begin Paddock Development – Ogbeh

Chief Audu Ogbeh

 

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, says the ministry will begin the paddock development (growing of special grasses for cattle) in August. He said that the ministry has started bringing the special seeds of grass (Fodder seeds) into the country.

Horticulture not effectively harness in Africa, Nigeria loses N198bilion yearly

The AAHC, Convener Prof. Isaac Aiyelaagbe presenting a gift to Tessel Kuijten of the Netherlands Embassy, Lagos

The just concluded 3rd All Africa Horticultural Congress (AAHC) has identified that most developing countries in the continent have not complied to using Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) to attracting premium prices for fresh fruits and vegetables with Nigeria losing 198 billion naira on yearly basis to post harvest.

FG launches New Agricultural Policy

FG launches New Agricultural Policy

The New Agricultural Programme has been officially launched today by the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi  Osinbajo alongside other government officials and private stakeholders.

Kano state Government will continue to create and support any programme and project that will improve Agriculture in the state.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

This assertion was made by the state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje during the opening ceremony of the National Business Summit /Exhibition organized by Daily Trust in Partnership with Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission today in Kano state.

Kebbi Govt. to collaborate with Niger and Benin Republics to promote agriculture

Gov. Atiku Bagudu

The Kebbi Government has promised to collaborate with Niger and Benin republics to promote agricultural, economic, cultural and political relationship.

FG introduces Graduate Farmers’ Scheme

farmers

In its determination to provide food and jobs for Nigerians, the Federal Government is set to commence its Graduate Farmers’ Scheme as the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu kicks off the programme.

NIRSAL to increase lending to farmers to 10%

CBN

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Mr Aliyu Hameed, has said the agency is planning to increase total value of agricultural lending – from the current 1.4% towards 10% of the total bank lending by 2026.